IRENE, South Africa – Ever since its eventful World Cup opener against England, now nearly two weeks and half a lifetime ago, the United States has been playing do-or-die soccer.The rollercoaster ride that has gripped a nation hits its latest stomach-churning loop in Rustenburg on Saturday. If the past few games are anything to go by, plenty more thrills and spills can be expected.
The Americans take on Ghana, deep into Bafokeng tribal country, where the platinum seams run deep and Bob Bradley’s team chases a prize more precious than most USA fans could have dreamed of – a quarterfinal spot.
Here are the things to watch.
1. Sweet revenge
Ghana has the ninth worst-rated economy in the world, according to Forbes, and has a political party that uses the rather unambitious slogan: “So far, so good.” Expectations of the national soccer team are somewhat higher, though, a
U.S. star Landon Donovan following 2006's tournament-ending loss to Ghana. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
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